Dysmenorrhea / Menstrual pain

You may not have heard the term dysmenorrhea, but if you're someone who has a period, you may be more familiar with dysmenorrhea than you think. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for period cramps, and it’s probably not surprising to learn that it’s the most common menstrual disorder. Some people have primary dysmenorrhea, which means their pain is typically due to normal period cramping as the uterine lining sheds. People with secondary dysmenorrhea have it a little bit more complicated; their pain is often due to an underlying condition like endometriosis. Either way, we don’t need to tell you that being in pain once a month for several days isn’t fun, especially when the symptoms can go way beyond cramps. You might also experience low back pain, nausea, vomiting, GI upset, and headaches. Pain relievers often do a good job of easing symptoms, and some supplements, like vitamin B1 and magnesium, may also help. If the pain persists, talk to your practitioner about other treatment options. Most important, don’t allow anyone to minimize your pain because it’s related to your period. Period pain can be super agonizing, so find a practitioner who will take you—and your pain—seriously!